For some local businesses, the new year is starting off on the right foot.
On Jan. 8, nine nonprofits received a combined $22,000 from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau, the first of two grant cycles for the calendar year.
The grants were awarded to benefit local tourism, according to spokesperson Malei Weir.
“Our Special Projects Grant sponsorship program is funded by the Visitor Bureau in order to support events, projects, and attractions that strengthen our economy and generate overnight stays in local hotels,” Jennifer Harrison, director of the Visitor Bureau, said in a statement. “We strategically support a diverse range of events in order to tap different markets and groups. This includes reaching out to meeting planners and supporting event hosts to grow the number of gatherings in the Santa Maria Valley.”
Harrison said that the grant program allows organizations planning events to apply for marketing assistance in order to reach target visitor markets. Key travel and tour markets for the Santa Maria Valley include the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Kern County, Nevada, and Washington state. The bureau also offers an array of complimentary services for event planners, including free welcome bags for attendees.
“The success of these events truly builds on our area’s recognition and economic well-being,” Harrison said. “We are pleased to offer our support and collaborate on getting the word out.”
Recipients for the first cycle of grants in 2018 are: Kiwanis of Santa Maria, in support of the Santa Maria Beerfest; HCE Productions, in support of the 805 Country Music Festival & Agricultural Showcase; Santa Maria Taekwondo Academy, in support of the 2018 Santa Maria Open Taekwondo Championship; Santa Maria Bent Axles Street Rods Inc., in support of its Bent Axles Car Show, Cruise, and Barbecue held in July; Pickups Limited, in support of its F-100 North-South Run auto show held in August 2018; Pacific Conservatory Theatre, in support of its year-round community performances; Elks Rodeo Parade; Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, in support of the Christmas on the Trail passport event; and West Coast Kustoms, in support of the Cruisin’ Nationals Kustom Car Show and the 2018 Santa Maria City Cruise.
Highlights:
• Dignity Health Central Coast, which includes Marian Regional Medical Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital, and French Hospital Medical Center, announced on Jan. 10 that it had awarded $295,971 in grant funding to five community nonprofit partnerships in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Grants are awarded through a community grants program created by the Central Coast Service Area’s parent company, Dignity Health. The intent of the annual community grant program is to help nonprofit organizations with an interest in building healthier communities by improving health and living conditions.
• This past December, Merrill Gardens Santa Maria’s Active Living Program Director Laura Cardoza received the Outstanding Department Director Award as part of the California Assisted Living Association Excellence in Service Awards. The award is designed to recognize and support outstanding service and to encourage continued dedication and commitment to the field of assisted living, according to the R.D. Merrill Company.
Staff Writer Spencer Cole wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, mail, or email at [email protected].
